Handcarved Guatemalan Folk Art, Day of the Dead Wooden Skeleton, Vintage Holiday Home Decor

Description

Handcarved Guatemalan Folk Art, Day of the Dead Wooden Skeleton, Vintage Holiday Home Decor 20"x7"x3.75"  

November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead, although it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. These dates correspond with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. This correspondence results from the Catholic Church's efforts to "find similarities between the indigenous and Christian beliefs." This celebration has a complex history that has been transformed through the years. Today the celebration takes place at about the same time ancient corn festivals were celebrated, when food from a plentiful harvest was shared with the deceased. Today different customs vary within different states in Mexico and even from village to village. The best way to describe this holiday is to say it is a time when family members and friends who have died are remembered. In Mexico, this festival is considered to be the most important holiday of the year.